Older Chinese adults, people from The People’s Republic of China with little English, and those people with lower education attainment, have particular problems in using the health system.
My concerns are that these people do not have the proficiency to communicate with the doctors in GP clinics and hospitals about their illnesses, unless doctors speak their language, or interpreters are provided.
I am very glad that the Northern Division of General Practice has published “GP’s speaking community languages in Melbourne’s north”, listing the GPs who can speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Fuchow, Hakka, Hokkien, Shanghainese and Teochew, who can coduct a consultation in these languages.
I recently refereed a Mandarin-speaking elderly Chinese friend, who had had difficulties in communicating about her illness with a non-Chinese speaking doctor, to this publication.
Projects
I have been involved with two major projects, which have promoted health and documented health needs and service utilisation by the Chinese community. The most recent survey had some interesting findings: Language, transport and cost are among the barriers that undermine the use of health care services. Delay in seeking professional care of their illness was common. Chinese people prefer to receive health information in their own language. Word of mouth was a common and important source of credible health information.
Chinese Radio Programs, Information Pamphlets and Health Seminars
However, many preferred SBS Chinese language radio programs. Other information came from printed media at reputable health care facilities, such as pamphlets and posters in hospital waiting rooms.
Public community health seminars organised by Chinese community organisations and academic institutions and medical practitioners were well received.
General Health Concerns
General health concerns included social isolation among older people, health literacy, in-law relationships and health effects of settlement issues.
The health problems experienced by these elderly Chinese participants were diabetes, stomach ulcers, dyspepsia, poor vision, dental problems, arthritis, falls, prostate cancer, influenza, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma and hay fever.
Discussion and Survey
A recent discussion with 14 elderly Chinese members of NEMCA, and a survey of 66 elderly Chinese residents who attend the social support groups of the Northern Migrant Resource Centre, found these health issues are still a concern among older Chinese adults and people with little English.
These elderly Chinese people would like to have less costly medications; more hospital doctors speaking Mandarin and Cantonese; more translations of health information and community health seminars.
The North Eastern Melbourne Chinese Association is a non-profit community 0rganisation serving Chinese people in Darebin, Whittlesea and nearby municipalities.
By Arthur B.W. Yong, B App Sc JP
In 2005, Arthur B.W. Yong was Vice President, North Eastern Melbourne Chinese Association.
First published 2012
Image: Pixabay
